Tufting machine



Oct. 31, 1950 2,528,392

TUFTING MACHINE Filed Aug. 10, 1948 '7 Sheets-Sheet 1 74/ 70/ mv 26 IluI "w 5" E INVENTOR.

1 ROBERT LEE SELF ATTORNEYS 7 R. L. SELF TUFTING MACHINE Oct. 31, 1950 7Sheets-Sheet 2 fined Aug. 10, 1948 Jim:

INVENTOR. ROBERT LEE SELF ATTORNEYS R L. SELF TUFTING MACHINE Oct. 31,1950 '7' Sheets-$heet 5 FiledAug. 10,,1948

ANVEIVTOR.

ROBERT I E SELF BY J-OQ ATTORNEYS Oct. 31, 1950 R. L. SELF 2,528,392

I INVENTOR.

- ROBERT LEE SELF ATTORNEYS Oct. 31, 1950 R. L. SELF TUFTING MACHINEFiled Aug. 10, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. ROBERT LEE SELF ATToRug sOct. 31, 1950 R. L. SELF 2,528,392

TUF'I'ING MACHINE Fil'ed Aug. 10, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 I INVENTOR.ROBERT LEE SELF BY v w I ATTORNEYS Oct. 31, 1950 R. SELF 2,528,392

TUFTING MACHINE Filed Aug. 10, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 4 0 7g 0 Z: 6 J 71 3 if? #0 V f 16? 4 2 g l N ll 1 1/ 7/4 flf 1 7 r0 Gfl/A/fifS 77 4 7/1m {/7 I VA/ VA! 0 JNVENTOR.

ROBERT LEE SELF BY @wgmgwy ATTORNEYS Patented Oct. 31, 1950 TUFTINGMACHINE Robert Lee Self, Leaksville, N. C., assignor to Marshall Field &Company Inc., Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois ApplicationAugust 10, 1948,'Serial No. 43,417

12 Claims. (Cl. 11279) The present invention relates to tufting machinessuch as are used for example for the production of candlewiok andchenille work.

.More particularly still the invention relates to a tufting machine inwhich a plurality of like patterns are simultaneously produced on thebase fabric.

In the past it has been customary to produce candlewick work such, forexample, as candlewick bedspreads by printing the pattern upon a basefabric and then following the pattern with a hand tool, eithermanually'or motor driven, capable of producing a single stitch at atime; Frequently candlewick work is made in which a complete bedspread,for example, comprises a plurality of like patterns reproduced over thearea of the bedspread. When this is the case it is uneconomical toproduce each pattern separately. However, as far as is known this hasbeen the method which has been followed. Further, in making suchcandlewick or chenille a hollow needle is utilized and the end thereofground to a slope, the forward edge being sharpened and the rear edgebeing smooth so that a thread or yarn which passes through the needlemay be inserted in a hole made in the cloth by the leadin edge of theneedle but is not cut by that leading edge. This mode of operationnecessitates that the sharpened point of the needle follow the line ofthe pattern in order to prevent this sharpened edge from cutting theyarn. This manner of operation also permits a smooth and tight back onthe fabric being embroidered or tufted. If the sharp edge of the needletrails an undesired product is produced having uneven tufts on bothsides of the fabric. By my present invention, the pattern which isfollowed need not be printed on the cloth but is rather delineated bymeans of a metal pattern or a drawing or tracing and in following thispattern the machine operates to so orient the needles that the forwardsharpened edge thereof is always in the direction in which the patternis produced.

It is an object of the invention to provide a tufting machine which canproduce a plurality of like pattern simultaneously.

It is another object of the invention to provide such a machine in whichthe pattern to be followed governs the action of the machine eliminatingthe necessity of printing the pattern upon the base fabric prior to theinitiation of the process of tufting either to produce chenille orcandlewick work.

It is another object of the invention to produce a machine of the typedescribed in which all the needles are constantly so oriented as toassure that the point of the needle leads as the pattern is followed.

It is a further object of the invention to pro- .Vide means for holdingthe cloth or fabric base in position beneath the needles so that thecloth will not yield thus assuring proper penetration of the needle.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a means of loweringthe cloth supporting members and stripping the cloth from the needleswhen it is desired to advance the cloth into a new position.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide means forpreventing the twisting of the threads or yarns about each other in thecourse of following the pattern.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide simple meansfor reciprocatin the needles and for adjustably mounting thereciprocable needles upon the machine to locate the various patterns atdesired positions.

Other objects. and features of the invention will become apparent whenthe followin description is considered in connection with the annexeddrawings in which--- Figure 1 is a side elevation of the machine of myinvention;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the machine, thesection being taken on the plane of the line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the mechanism illustrating particularlythe repetition of the same pattern in a number of locations on the basecloth;

Figure 4 is a front elevation of the machine showing the patternfollowing mechanism as well as the general arrangement of the elementsof the machine;

Figure 5 is a side elevation partly in section of one of thereciprocating needle mechanisms showing the mechanism in place on thepantograph Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional View of the lower portionof the needle mechanism of Fig- 7 Figure 7 is a sectional view taken onthe line' 3 ticularly the mode by which a drive chain is held inengagement with one of the sprocket wheels;

Figure is a cross-sectional view of the mechanism of Figure 9, the viewbeing taken on the plane of the line llll[l of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a top plan view similar to Figure 3 but ShOWil'lg themachine provided with two main frame members each of which carries aplurality of needle units; and

Figure 12 is a schematic circuit diagram which illustrates one mode ofrendering the machine 'MHJCTQQHLJC in its operation.

Referring now to the drawings and particular-- ly to Figures 1 and 3,the device'comprises two tables one at either side of the main operatingportions of the machine. Pivotally supported on the tables by means ofthe upstanding brackets 29 is a pantograph 2! which is composed of thehinged arms 22 and 23 joined by a cross-link 25 in the usual manner.Likewise extending between the forward ends of the arms 23 of thepantograph is a cross-member 25 which carries the needles and theiroperating mechanisms, each such needle and operating mechanism beingadjustably positioned laterally of the member 25. If desirable theparallel movement of the cross member 25 may be procured by theutilization of two carriages, one of which gives longitudinal and theother transverse movement. However, the pantograph is the best mode ofprocuring parallel movement presently known.

As is best seen in Figures 1 and 2, the cloth or base fabric 25 which isto have the tufted patterns placed thereon passes beneath the pantographmember 25 and the needles carried thereby in position to be operatedupon by those needles. A roll of cloth is supported in the usual stand21 at the rear of the machine and passes between the feed rollers 28 andthence forward over an idler roller 38 to a take-up reel 3| which issuitably supported at the forward side of the machine. The lower one ofthe rollers 28 is'driven by means of a belt 32 from a motor 33. Thetake-up reel 3! is similarly driven from the motor 33 by means of a belt34, the drive to the take-up reel 3i being effected through a slipclutch 35. It may at times be desirable to utilize a tenter chain tosupport the fabric. Such an arrangement would hold the fabric tightlyfrom side to side and would prevent the fabric from moving or creepingas the tufting is performed. Such a chain could be attached to thejournals of rollers 28 and 35.

As has been stated, a plurality of needles and their operatingmechanisms are mounted on the forward cross-member 25 of the pantograph2!. One of these mechanisms is shown in detail in Figures 5 and 6. Eachsuch member comprises abracket 36 which is fastened at a desiredlocation to the pantograph cross-member 25 by means of the screws 5?.The bracket 36 has a horizontal bearing 38 therein and a bearing 40 fora vertical shaft. In the horizontal bearing there is mounted a shaft illcarrying a pulley 42 at its lefthand end and a crank 13 at its righthandend. The crank 13 carries a crank pin Mon which is mounted a connectingrod 35. At its lowerend the connecting rod 'is pivotally connected to areciprocating member 26 which is guided for vertical movement in aslotted block 41 fixed to the bracket 3'5. I I

Rotatably mounted. in the lower horizontal bearings d5 is asleeve 18 towhich at its upper end is fastened a sprocket wheel 58 and at its lowerend a presse-r foot 5|. Within the sleeve-48 and fixed thereto is asleeve 52 which is slotted as (ill ' end of the pantograph cross-member25.

shown at 53. Within the sleeve 52 is an additional sleeve 54 whichcarries a key 55 operating in the slot 53. Thus the inner sleeve 54 mayreciprocate vertically but is forced to turn with the outer sleeve 48and the intermediate sleeve 52. Sleeve 54 is fastened at its upper endinto the righthand extension of the member 15. Thus the sleeve is causedto reciprocate as the pulley 42 is rotated under drive of the double Vbelt shown at 56. The sleeve 54 is provided with two bores therethroughthrough each of which a thread or yarn 57! extends. At its lower end thesleeve 55 is provided with a clamping ring 58 which clamps a hollowneedle 88 into each of the bores of the sleeve. The needles 55 extenddownwardly through bores in the presser foot 5| and terminate ininclined lower edges, as illustrated particularly in Figure 6. Thelowermost pointed end of the hollow needle 68 is sharpened while thehigher edge is rounded so that the needle may penetrate the cloth andcarry the yarn through the cloth while assuring that the yarn will notbe cut by the sharpened point and also assuring a smooth and tight backon the fabric as hereinabove mentioned. The result above mentionedoccurs only if the pointed edge of the needle leads in following thepattern and it is for this reason that the mechanism for rotating theneedle carrier comprising the various sleeves above described isprovided.

The various units above described are driven by means of the double Vbelt 56, this belt, a is clearly shown in Figure 4, being in turn drivenby a motor 6i which is mounted on the righthand The belt- 56 passesalternately above and below the pulleys 42 so that the alternate needlemechanisms are driven in opposite directions, this, of course, beingimmaterial since the rotary motion imparted to the various shafts M isconverted to reciprocatory movement, as above described. The belt 58 isan endless one and its return reach is guided by means of idler pulleys62 supported in brackets 63 mounted on th forward side of the pantographcross-member 25. Obviously a fiat belt or a roller chain can besubstituted for the double V belt 56.

The pantograph mechanism is guided in order to cause the needles to formtufts in the cloth in a desired pattern. This guiding is shown as beingaccomplished by means of a metal template although other mechanismsmight readily be substituted. For example, electrical and electronictracing followers are available which are suitable for this purpose. Inthe present instance the pattern is illustrated as being a metaltemplate havin the general form of a stylized four-leaf clover (seeFigure 3). The template is mounted on the forward portion of thelefthand one of the two tables 20 and comprises a base member 6A to--gether with a four-leaf clover design 65 spaced above the base member54, the member 55 beingv toothed on its outer periphery. Likewise spacedabove the member 64 is a member 66 which has an internal configurationsimilar to but slightly larger than the external configuration of themember 65.

Fixed to the lefthand end of the pantograph cross-member 25 is a bracket6'! on which there is mounted a motor 68. On the shaft of motor 68 thereis fixed a roller H and a pinion 72. The roller H rolls against theinterior surface of the member 56 while the pinion l2 meshes with theexterior toothed surface of the member 65. Consequently, as the shaft 15is rotated the motor is caused to move about the outlines of the designexpressed in the template. Since the motor is firmly fixed by means ofthe bracket 61 to the pantograph member 25, this-member is caused tofollow the movements of the motor about the template or pattern and thusthe needles 60 will likewise follow this pattern.

The forward portion of the pantograph 2| is supported by means ofcastors I3 which rest upon the tables 20. As the motor causes thepantograph to move about in following the pattern these castors swivelin their mounting. This swiveling movement is utilized in a mannershort- 1y to be described to cause the needles to face with theirpiontsalways in.- the direction of the succeeding pattern portion. If theelectronic or electrical tracing followers mentioned hereinabove areutilized they will directly steer th castor wheels since they control asteering motor. In this event the castor wheels cause the pantograph tofollow the pattern.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 3, it will be seen that the forward endof the pantograph is supported upon castors I3 which are mounted forswiveling movement in the bearings 14 which bearings are fixed to thepantograph cross-member 25. The castors 13 are mounted in the usualforked member I5 to which a shaft 16 is fastened, this shaft extendingupwardly for a considerable distance. Mounted upon the shaft I6 justabove the bearing I4 is a sprocket wheel I1. A chain I8 is driven bysprocket wheel 11 and-drives the sprocket wheels 50 of the variousneedle operating mechanisms. As is clearly shown in Figure 3, this chainpasses to the rear of the sprocket wheels 50 and in contact therewith.The return reach of the chain passes over the idler sprocket 82 which isin a like manner fastened to the pantograph cross-member by means of thebracket 83. Thus as the castors swivel the sprocket wheels follow theirmovement and the needles are caused likewise to partake in theswivelling movement.

Although it is entirely possible to utilize a single needle 60 in eachneedle operating mechanism, it is often desirable to utilize a pair ofneedles, as has been illustrated. When this is done, the two needles aresupplied with yarn from separate cops or bobbins 84. In order to preventthe two yarns from becoming twisted about each other as the needlesrotate in following the pattern, as above described, I have provided ameans for rotating the cop holders. Referring now to Figures 1, 4 and 8through 10, it will be seen that the cop holders 89 are mounted on barswhich are in turnpivotally mounted upon a horizontally extending frame86 supported from the pantograph cross-member 25 by means of the uprightsupports 81. The bars 85 are provided with stub shafts 88 which carry attheir upper ends the sprocket wheels 90.

The castor shaft 16 extends upwardly and hasits upper end journalled inthe frame 86. This shaft is provided at its upper end with a sprocketwheel 9| and a chain 92 extends from the sprocket wheel and inengagement with the various sprocket wheels 90. The chain is kept out ofengagement with the forward peripheries of the sprocket wheels .90 byvirtue of passing over the idler sprocket 93 supported from the frame 86by means of the bracket 94.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the chain 92 is maintained in engagementwith the sprockets by a shoe 95 whichis supported from the frame 86 bymeans ofthe angles 96.

1 In order to support. the cloth .beneath the needles, there is mountedat each end .of the pantograph cross-member 25 a, pneumatic'cylinder,the pistonsv 98 of which extend upwardly as seen particularly in Figure2. Extending between the two pistons 98 is an angle bar .I00 on whichare mounted a. number of cups IOI equal to the number of .needle units.The .upper surface of. the angle. bar I00 is drilled at a plurality ofpoints so that the cups IOI may be-adjusted with the needle units todesired positions. Additionally, an angle bar I 02 extendsbetweenthefpiston rods 98 above the bar I00 and in such a position that thecloth 2G. is. threadedbeneath it. Connections are made through the inletand outlet tubes I03 and I04 .tozthe pneumaticv cylinders and at thetermination of eachpattern making .operation.the unit comprising. thebars I00 and I02 and the cups IOI is loweredmaking it; possibleto thenenergize the motor. 33, and advance the-basefabric. .If. theneedlesshould have been stopped :in .theirilowermost positionthelowering ofbar I02 will strip the fabric from the needles and preventany tearing and likewise the lowering of the cups IOI will permit thisstripping of the cloth from the needles.

The foregoing has described the mechanism which is utilized to produce arow of patterns across the cloth. It is, of course, possible byutilizing auxiliary cross-members on the pantograph, such as the member25, to do two or even three pattern rows simultaneously. Thus in Figure11 there is shown at I05 a second pantograph cross-member which issupported by means of the rigid brackets I06. from the crossmember 25.In thisinstance, thedriving motor BI is relocated and sthroughva shaftI01 drives two belts56 and I08. In a. similar. manner the chain forrotating the needle units operates not only the sprocket wheels 50 but,in addition, :the similar sprocket wheels IIO. In addition, if doubleyarn and double. needles are utilized,the bobbin or cup supportingframework .may be extended forwardly and the chain 92 caused to operatethe additional plurality of cop holdersg It will, of course, be clearthat a timing mechanism may be provided to cause the pantographmechanism andits cooperating pattern tracing means to go through a cyclemaking a. plurality of patterns to then deenergize the pattern tracingmeans and the needle drive, to operate the pneumatic means 9'! to. stripthe cloth from the needles and energize the feed motor 33 to advance thecloth a predetermined distance, to then deenergize the cloth advancingmotor to again operate the pneumatic means 91 but in the oppositedirection to thereby raise the cups I 0| and the cloth into position andreenergize the needle driving motor BI and thepattern tracing means,-such as the motor 68, and start another group of patterns, etc. 1

Referring now to Figure 12, there is shown therein a schematic linediagram and'schematic showings of switching mechanisms which provide forthe cycle of operations set forth above. In this figure a set ofcontacts which may be, for example, a microswitch' or a plurality ofmicroswitches, is provided and positioned to be operated by thepantograph cross-link 24.- The contacts, which have been designated asIII, H2 and I I3, are adjusted so that when the pantograph is in itsmost rearward and righthand position as seen in Figure 3, the contactswill be operated to open the contact pair III, close the contact pair II2 and open-the contact pair II 3.

LI'he pneumaticchydraulic cylinders 91 are-controlled by means of athree-way valve, indicated on Figure 12 at H4, this .valve beingcontrolled in turn by means of an operating solenoid. I I5.

The cloth advancing motor 33 is. arranged to drive a gear H6 which inturn :drives gear II'I. Mountedon the shaft H8 on which/gear II! ismounted, and fixed for rotation therewith, is a ratchet Wheel I29.Rotatably mounted on the shaft H8 is an arm I'2I which carries azpawlI22 whichcooperateswith the teeth of ratchet wheel I20. The pawl I22 maybe moved to disengage from the teeth of the ratchetwheel I23 by meansof. a magnet I23 fixed to the arm I2.I. Rotatably mounted for movementabout the shaft H8 is a bracket I24 which supports a contact .pair I25and forms a stop for the arm I2I inits reverse movement. EBracket I24v.is suitably supported'in an adjusted position about the periphery ofratchet wheel I20 thusmaking it possible to determine the initialposition of the arm 'I2I. The arm I2I is joined by a spring I26 to thebracket I24 so that the arm is normally urged into the positionillustrated in Figure 12.

Cooperating with the arm I2I is a switch operator I21 which is supportedin any suitable manner in a fixed position with respect to the ratchetwheel I20. The member I21 operates the switch contacts I28 and I30, theformer pair being normally closed and the latter normally open.Connected inuparallel with the solenoid H is a relay I3 I, the contactsI32 of which are normally open and control the flow of current to motor33. The pattern drive motor 68 and the needle-drive motor 6| areconnected in thecircuit,.as shown in Figure 12. r

With the above description of the various elements in mind, adescription of the ope-rationof the circuit will bestdescribe theremainder thereof Let'it be: assumed that the machine is operating andis about to complete a group of patterns on the cloth. At this time thepantograph link 24 will be moving towards the right, as seen'inFigurelZ, and shortly thereafter switch contacts III, H2 and H3 will beoperated. Due to opening of contacts III, power will be'removed from thepattern drivemotorfiil andthe needle drive motor 6| and these two motorswill stop. At the same time contacts H2 will close thus completing acircuit from conductor I33, through contacts H2, conductor I34, contactsI28, conductor I35, solenoid H5 and relay I3I in parallel and back tothe otherside of the line at conductor I36. gize causing, respectively,1 operation of the three-way valve H4 and closure of contacts. I32. .Thevalve H4 will cause the pneumatic cylinders 91 to operate and lowerthecloth supporting members or cupsIfiI and the needle:.,stripping barI52. Closure of contacts I32 energizes the motor 33 which then causesthecloth toadvance. As the cloth advances the arm :I2I ,is driven clockwisein a;manner previously described and to a predetermined extent-dependentupon the size and desired location of the next=rowof:p.atterns. When thearm I2I strikes the switch opcrating member I2'I, contacts I23 areopened-and contacts I30 are closed. The opening of contacts I28 causesdeenergizationof:solenoid I I5 and relay I32 in a manner which isobvious from the diagram, this in turn causing themotorSS to stop andthe stripper bar IIlZ-and clothsupports to be elevated. At the same timeclosure of contacts I30 establishes a connection .from

Solenoid H5 and relay I3I will then enerconductor I33 to conductor I31and thence through the. pattern drive and needle drive motors and BI tothe other side of the line I36. The energization of the pattern drivemotor causes the pantograph link to move to the left and thus causescontacts III and I I3 to close and H2 to open. Closure of contacts IIIestablishes a second connection from. conductor I33 to conductor I3!thus assuring continued operation of motor BI and 68. Opening ofcontacts H2 is without efiect since .the circuit extending from thesecontacts over conductor I34 is at this time open at contacts I28.Closure of contacts H3 establishes a circuit from conductor L33 overconductor I38. to contacts I25, thence through the magnet I23 and .overconductor I48 to conductor I36. The energization of magnet I23 operatesthe pawl I22 and arm I2I which then returns to its normal position underurge of spring I26. This return permits contacts I28 to again close andcontacts I30 to open but both of these actions are ineffective since themotors GI and 68 are now receiving power through contacts III and thecircuit to motor 33 is already broken at contacts H2. The pattern andneedle drive motors will now continue to operate forming a new row ofpatterns across the cloth until such time as the pantograph link returnsto its far righthand position at which time the patterns will becomplete and the circuit operation just hereinabove described willrecur.

While I have described preferred embodiments of my invention, it will beunderstood that the description is solely for purposes of illustrationand, therefore, I wish to be limited not by that description but solelyby the claims granted me.

What is claimed is:

1. In a tufting machine, in combination, a

pairof spaced tables, a pantograph mechanism pivotally supported at oneend on said tables, said mechanism being supported at its other end onacastor resting upon each table, means for supporting a base fabric tobe worked upon between said tables and beneath a portion of saidpantograph mechanism, a plurality of reciprocatory tufting needlesmounted on said portion of said pantograph mechanism, common means forreciprocating said needles, a pattern on one of said tables, patterntracing means mounted on said pantograph to cause said portion of saidpantograph to -move in accordance with said pattern. said pantographbeing supported on said castors causing said castors to rotate inaccordance with the pattern traced, and means for rotating said tuftingneedles in accordance with the rotation of said castors.

2. In a tufting machine, in combination, a pair of tables, apantograp'hmechanism pivotally supported at one end on said tables, saidmechanismbeing supported at its other end on a castor resting upon eachtable, means for supporting a base fabric to be worked upon between saidtables and beneath a portion of said pantograph mechanism, a pluralityof tufting needle units mounted on said portion of said pantographmechanism, each said needle unit comprising a reciprocably mountedneedle and rotatable means for reciprocating said needles, means forrotating said rotatable means, a pattern on one of said tables, patterntracingrneans mounted on said pantograph to cause said portion of saidpantograph to move in accordance with said pattern, said pantographbeing supported on said castors causing said castors to rotate inaccordance with the pattern traced, and means for rotating said tuftingneedles in accordance with the rotation of said castors.

3. In a tufting machine, in combination a pair of tables, a pantographmechanism pivotally supported at one end On said tables, said mechanismbeing supported at its other end on a castor resting upon each table,means for supporting a base fabric to be worked upon between said tablesand beneath a portion of said pantograph mechanism, a plurality oftufting needle units mounted on said portion of said pantographmechanism, each said needle unit comprising a reciprocably mountedneedle and rotatable means for reciprocating said needles, said needlesbeing hollow and being sharpened to a point, means for rotating saidrotatable means, a pattern on one of said tables, pattern tracing meansmounted on said pantograph to cause said portion of said pantograph tomove in accordance with said pattern, said pantograph being supported onsaid castors causing said castors to rotate in accordance with thepattern traced, and means for rotating said tufting needles inaccordance with the rotation of said castors to cause the points of saidneedles to face in the direction of movement of said portion of saidpantograph mechanism as the pattern is traced.

4. A tufting machine in accordance with claim 1 characterized in thatsupporting means for the cloth are provided beneath the cloth invertical alignment with each needle unit.

5. A tufting machine in accordance with claim 1 characterized in thatsupporting means is provided for the cloth, said supporting means lyingbeneath the cloth in vertical alignment with the needle unit, saidsupporting means being fixed to said portion of said pantographmechanism for horizontal movement therewith and being furthercharacterized in that said cloth supporting means are movable verticallyto permit relocation of the cloth for operating upon a new area thereof.

6. A tufting machine in accordance with claim 2 characterized in thatyarn is fed to said hollow needles from cops, said cops being mounted inpairs on rotatable arms, said arms being rotated by said castors.

7. In a tufting machine, in combination, a pair of tables, a pantographmechanism pivotally supported at one end on said tables, said mechanismbeing supported at its other end on a castor resting upon each table,means for supporting a base fabric to be worked upon between said tablesand beneath a portion of said pantograph mechanism, a plurality oftufting needle units mounted on said portion of said pantographmechanism, each said needle unit comprising a reciprocably mountedneedle and rotatable means for reciprocating said needles, means forrotating said rotatable means, a pattern on one of said tables, patterntracing means mounted on said pantograph to cause said portion of saidpantograph to move in accordance with said pattern, said pantographbeing supported on said castors causing said castors to rotate inaccordance with the pattern traced, means for rotating said tuftingneedles in accordance with the rotation of said castors, a plurality ofcloth supports mounted beneath said cloth and in vertical alignment withsaid needles, said cloth supports being fixed to said portion of saidpantograph mechanism for horizontal movement therewith, a stripper barextending above said cloth adjacent said needles, said stripper barbeing fastened to said portion of said pantograph mechanism forhorizontal movement therewith, and meansfor rnovingsaid cloth supportsand stripper bar simultaneously vertically with respect to said needlestoicause disengagement of the cloth from the needlesand: thus permitadvancing of the cloth to positionfor tufting designs thereon in anunworked'area' thereof.

' 8. Ina tufting machine having a plurality of:

; the pantograph to form a desired pattern, means mounting said tuftingneedles on a portion of the pantograph for both vertical reciprocationand rotation, a sprocket wheel fixed to each needle for rotating theneedle, a castor supporting a portion of the pantograph, said castorbein mounted for sWivelling movement about a vertical axis in accordancewith the movements of said pantograph, a sprocket wheel fixed to thecastor shaft, and a chain passing from said castor sprocket Wheel tosaid needle sprocket wheels to thereby rotate the needles.

10. In a tufting machine having a plurality of tufting needles supportedupon a portion of a pantograph, in combination, means for driving thepantograph to form a desired pattern, means mounting said tuftingneedles on a portion of the pantograph for both vertical reciprocationand rotation, said needles being arranged in pairs, a sprocket wheelfixed to each needle for rotating the needle, a castor supporting aportion of the pantograph, said castor being mounted for swivellingmovement about a vertical axis in accordance with the movements of saidpantograph, a sprocket Wheel fixed to the castor shaft, a chain passingfrom said castor sprocket wheel to said needle sprocket wheels tothereby rotate the pairs of needles, a plurality of pairs of copscorresponding to the pairs of needles, the yarn from each cop passing toone of the needles of the pair, means mounting each pair of cops on aholder, means mounting said holders above said needle pairs, a sprocketwheel fixed to each asid holder, a sprocket wheel on said castor shaft,and a sec ond chain passing from said last mentioned sprocket wheel tosaid cop holder sprocket wheels, to thereby rotate said cop holders assaid needle pairs are rotated to prevent twisting of the yarns leadingto any pair of needles.

11. In a tufting machine, in combination, means for supporting a fabricto be tufted, said means comprising a pair of' feeding rollers, an idlerroller and a take-up roller, a pantograph mechanism comprising a memberextending across said cloth between said idler roller and said feedrollers, means for operating said pantograph in accordance with thedesired pattern, a plurality of tufting needles adjustably mounted onsaid cross member, means for causing vertical reciprocation of saidtufting needles, a plurality of fabric supporting members one locatedbeneath the fabric in alignment with each tufting needle, said fabricsupporting means being fixed to said pantograph cross-member formovement therewith, a stripper bar extending above said fabric, saidstripper bar being fixed to said pantograph cross-member 11 for movementtherewith, means for raising and lowering said-stripper bar and fabricsupporting members, means for driving said cloth feeding rollers, meansfor operating said, fabric supporting members and stripper bar uponcompletion of a pattern to lower the fabric away from said needles,switch members actuated by said pantograph mechanism to energize saidcloth feeding means upon completion of a pattern, means forpredetermining the amount of feeding of said fabric, means under controlof said predetermined means for deenergizing said fabric feedingmeans,.for elevating said fabric supporting means and said stripper bar,and for energizing said pantograph operating means and said needleoperating means to commence a new pattern.

12. In a tufting machine, in combination, a pivotally supportedpantograph, means for driving'the free end of said pantograph for motionin a predetermined pattern path, a plurality of 20 2,264,779

rotatable and reciprocably mounted tufting needles on said free end ofsaid pantograph, common means for reciprocating said needles, means forsupporting a base fabric in position to be operated upon by saidneedles, and automatic means for rotating said needles as said free endof said pantograph moves to always face said needles in the line oftravel of said pantograph free end.

ROBERT LEE SELF.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 514,138 Spengler Feb. 6, 1894854,105 ONeil May 21, 1907 Tillet Dec. 2, 1941

